The Lighthouse

— “The Lighthouse” is the sort of film where you think you see symbolism, angst, and arty camera angles at every turn. It certainly has the feel down—a desolate island with only two temporary inhabitants, harsh black and white images, a constant din of foghorns, winds, thunder and sheets of rain almost always in the background, and a nearly square aspect ratio making every scene cramped and uncomfortable. Adding a bit of confusion to it all, you’re kept a little off kilter, never quite sure if it’s a horror film, a psychological thriller, a journey of survival, a dream, or nightmare, but whatever it is, the tormented characters also provide a few chuckles. Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson are excellent as the dueling couple, a seasoned lighthouse keeper and his trainee, isolated and with ever-changing roles as powerful or powerless, lover or loved, broken or healing, sane or mad. There’s an undeniable fascination with the story and the actors, and with the day to day transformation they experience, The film is very carefully presented and, although the ending is anticlimactic, the journey is worth it. Besides, who doesn't love a film with a mermaid, a giant squid, and angry seagulls?

---

[2019. 109 minutes. Directed by Robert Eggers. Starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-lighthouse-movie-review-2019